Lewis Structure

[MaryBanh_2K]

Which elements mostly show up in the center of the Lewis Structure and why?

[805307623]

I believe the least electronegative element generally becomes the central atom.

[Daniel Chen 2L]

Yes, it is typically the least electronegative atom that goes in the middle. In addition, Hydrogen atoms are never in the center.

[AKhanna_3H]

The least electronegative atom goes in the center. Electronegativity increases as you go across the periodic table and decreases as you go down the periodic table.

[Lauren Tanaka 1A]

The element with the lowest ionization energy will be the central atom for the Lewis Structure.

[Kayla Maldonado 1C]

The least electronegative elements are in the center of lewis structures because an atom in the central position shares more of its electrons than does a terminal atom such as Hydrogen which is never found in the center.